Versions/EX1-456658

Update Information


Hello everyone!

The public testing branch is being updated again today! So far the update features the new Radbolt Engine which allows rockets to quickly travel long ranges, but with a lower module count.

We've also got two more features almost ready to go but they didn't quite make it into today's patch: Plant mutations and the Interplanetary Launcher. Keep your eyes peeled for those in the next couple patches!

We've been going full tilt on new features since January. It is important to us that the overall scope of both multi-asteroid play and radiation are in the game and playable for you to experience. We know that there are a number of issues in the game right now that you've brought up, so after this update goes out in 2 weeks, we're going to shift gears to addressing feedback, stability, and balance. We really appreciate all the support and encouragement that you give us, as our small team has to really balance priorities during development. We want you to know that your concerns have been heard and we will try to address them over the coming updates, starting with adding a larger "classic" asteroid size to the asteroid selection.

As always, we're reading your feedback and greatly appreciate the bugs you report. Thank you so much for playing the game in Early Access, stay safe and take care!

What does this testing branch contain so far?
Here are the changes we've made so far in this update, loosely categorized:

Features

 * Added Radbolt Engine.
 * Added Radbolt Propulsion tech. Moved Cryofuel Propulsion and Monuments techs to a higher tier.
 * Radioactive elements now emit radiation in the world (ores are still work-in-progress)

Changes

 * Translations updated
 * Modified line weight for consistency on rocket modules
 * Added new section to the end of the nuclear meltdown song

Fixes

 * Fixed Rocket Engines leaking resources across the grid while in space
 * Fixed Rocket Pad flickering when launching a rocket.
 * Fixed crash selecting a rocket destination on the edge of the starmap.
 * Rocket Platform scaffolding now properly tints on overlays
 * Fixed detached Duplicant arm in the Payload Opener animation
 * Adjusted Radiation build menu icon to match overlay icon

What is open testing?
"Open testing" means players get to test-drive new content early and give us feedback and suggestions before it goes live. Because this is an unfinished and in active development version of the game, it's pretty likely you'll encounter bugs, crashes or balance issues while playing these builds. We'll try to fix any problems that crop up as quickly as we can, but it's possible you'll lose progress in your games while playing on the Testing branch.

Regarding performance, the Testing branch has additional debugging tools enabled to help us track down crashes. This makes the game run more slowly than the live version of the game.

Please also be aware that once a save is loaded in the Testing branch, it cannot be reopened again in the previous Live branch or previous builds.

What do I do if I find a crash or a bug?
Post it up on the Bug Tracker and we'll fix it as soon as we can. If you can attach a copy of your save file to your report, that helps us even more as we can pinpoint the source of problem more quickly.

Do I have to play the open testing build?
Nope! If you'd prefer to only play a stable build, you can continue to play in the current Default branch until the game launches in full. Playing the Open Testing build isn't necessary, but it helps us a lot to receive your feedback and reports - if you're interested, try it out!

How do I become an open tester?
There's no sign up or registration for becoming an open tester. If you own Oxygen Not Included plus the Spaced Out! DLC and want to join the Testing Branch, all you have to do is play the Open Testing build on Steam.

How do I play the open testing build?
You can switch your branch on Steam using the instructions below:

How to change branches in Oxygen Not Included (Steam)

 * You must own the Spaced Out! DLC
 * In Steam, click on Library > Games.
 * Scroll down to Oxygen Not Included.
 * Right-click and select Properties.
 * Go to the BETAS tab.
 * In the dropdown, select the name of the branch you want to play. In this case, the branch name is "public_testing"
 * This branch does not require a password.
 * In that same Properties window, go to the Local Files tab and press "Verify Integrity Of Game Cache."
 * Your game will be updated to the the previous branch.
 * Launch and play Oxygen Not Included